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Gaelic Studies

Gaelic Studies

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Introduction

Gaelic Studies at Aberdeen is the perfect programme and location to explore the Gaelic language, its history, literature and Gaelic culture up to the present day. Whether you are a native speaker or complete beginner, you will be inspired by our world-leading experts in the Gaelic field, and gain valuable skills and wide career options.

We have been teaching Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) and culture for a hundred years, led by teachers and researchers passionate about Gaelic, and whose work directly influences Scottish policy on maintaining a vibrant, sustainable and respected Gaelic community in Scotland today.

You will learn more about Scotland's oldest living language, and develop your Gaelic skills in a friendly and supportive environment, either as your main focus of study or in addition to other subjects – for example you may be a teacher keen to add teaching in Gaelic language to your skill set.

Today there are nearly 6,000 people in north-east Scotland with knowledge of Gaelic and our students and staff play an important role in the local community through Gaelic-interest clubs, activities, networks and organisations.

Opportunities for graduates fluent in Scottish Gaelic are very good. Teaching, Gaelic language planning, arts management, and digital archivism are all career options, and the commitment in Scotland to Gaelic broadcasting means increasing demand for Gaelic graduates to work in the media.

You will thrive in our friendly and vibrant international community, on our beautiful medieval campus with great facilities for learning, sports and leisure, and with many opportunities to develop additional skills designed to make you a highly sought-after graduate in whichever career path you choose.

Our Degrees

Interested in Gaelic Studies?

Why Study Gaelic Studies at Aberdeen?

Strong tradition of commitment to Gaelic, and a University Gaelic Language Plan to promote and develop Gaelic in the University in line with the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.

Close links with the Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies, and its literary magazine, Causeway / Cabhsair, which frequently includes poems and short stories from established and new Gaelic writers.

Student-run Celtic Society famous for its musical events, ceilidhs and trips, and a great opportunity to use Gaelic in an informal, social context.

The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, with an extensive Gaelic collection and treasures, including the 10th century Book of Deer with some of the oldest examples of Gaelic writing to have survived from medieval Scotland.

An intensive summer school, giving students the chance to practise their Gaelic language skills in a friendly, natural environment.

A strong Gaelic theme in the University’s popular May Festival at which thousands attend to hear world-famous authors, poets, public figures, scientists and other experts, and debate big issues in arts, literature, and current affairs.

A warm welcome for students whatever your level of Gaelic, and long-standing experience in teaching this fascinating language to complete beginners.